CLINICAL EVENTS CALENDAR
Non-Accredited Education
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH A NEW HYBRID CORONARY WIRE On Demand Web ArchiveNon-Accredited Target Audience: Physicians, nurses, and technologists. This activity is supported by an educational grant from Terumo Medical Corporation. |
ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Efficacy of Modified Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Combined with Warfarin Following Percutaneous (FULL TITLE BELOW)

ABSTRACT: Background. The optimal combination of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting (PCI-S) among patients requiring oral anticoagulation (OAC) is unknown. Objectives. We sought to compare the efficacy of a modified dual-antiplatelet regimen (daily aspirin and every other day clopidogrel) to conventional treatment (daily aspirin and daily clopidogrel) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) among patients who are also discharged on warfarin. Methods. We performed a single-center, retrospective analysis of consecutive patients (n = 454) who underwent PCI-S with DES and were discharged on warfarin and either a conventional (n = 170) or modified (n = 284) antiplatelet regimen between March 2003 and May 2007. In-hospital and 1-year events were compared between the two groups. Results.
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The Role of Cardiovascular Computed Tomographic Angiography for Coronary Sinus Mitral Annuloplasty

ABSTRACT: Background. The coronary sinus (CS) travels in close proximity to the left circumflex (LCX) artery. Percutaneously placed CS devices used to treat mitral regurgitation (MR) therefore have the potential to impinge upon the LCX arterial distribution and compromise coronary flow. Objectives. In this study, we sought to analyze the anatomic relationship between the CS, LCX and mitral annulus (MA) in patients with right dominant (RCD), left dominant (LCD) and codominant (CCD) arterial systems using a novel systematic approach. Methods. We retrospectively studied 102 normal patients (46 females) and 27 consecutive patients (5 females) with ischemic severe MR. All patients underwent cardiovascular computed tomographic (CCT) angiography with a 64 multidetector scanner for clinical indications. Images were analyzed using a GE Advantage workstation, version 4.4, capable of advanced image processing and manipulation. Results.
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New Mechanical Recanalization Devices — The Future in Pediatric Stroke Treatment?

ABSTRACT: Objective. To evaluate the recanalization rate and clinical outcome in children with acute ischemic stroke following treatment with innovative mechanical thrombectomy devices. Patients and Methods. Three subjects aged 7–16 years presenting with acute cerebral vascular occlusions (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction [TIMI] 0) were treated with either the Penumbra System, operating on an aspiration platform, or the Phenox clot retriever device, a flexible wire compound with perpendicularly-oriented polyamid microfilaments. Target vessels were the internal carotid artery, the middle cerebral artery and the basilar artery. Results. Successful recanalization (TIMI 3) was attained in all cases. No device-related complications or intracranial hemorrhage occurred. Follow up was conducted for up to 30 days. A 10- to 26-point improvement in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was achieved. Conclusions.
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Decreasing In-hospital Mortality of Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Persistent (FULL TITLE BELOW)

ABSTRACT: Background. Advances in interventional techniques have been dramatic in the last 10 years. The goal of this study was to evaluate the age-adjusted in-hospital mortality rate in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using a large database. Methods. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was utilized to calculate the age-adjusted mortality rate for PCI from 1988 to 2004 in patients over the age of 40 retrospectively. Specific ICD-9-CM codes for PCI were used for this study. Demographic data were also analyzed and adjusted for age. Results. The mean age for these patients was 71.56 ± 10.59 years (53.55% male). From 1988 to 1995, the age-adjusted mortality rate was stable. However, after 1995 the age-adjusted mortality rate showed persistent decline to the lowest level in 2004.
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Outcomes of Unselected Recipients of Sirolimus-Eluting Stents: The Cypher® Stent U.S. Post-Marketing Surveillance Registry

ABSTRACT: Objective. To examine the 1-year safety and clinical outcomes associated with the post-marketing early unselected use of sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) in the United States. Background. The safety and effectiveness of SES has been assessed in selected patients enrolled in pivotal randomized trials. This PMS registry was initiated to examine the safety and effectiveness of SES in an unselected population. Methods. Consecutive patients who underwent implantation of ≥1 SES at 38 participating U.S. centers were enrolled in this registry. Results were compared according to “off-” versus “on-label” use of SES. Multivariate regression analyses were carried out in search of predictors of 1-year MACE and stent thrombosis. Results. The mean age of the 2,067 patients (3,367 treated lesions) was 63.7 years. The 12-month follow up was completed by 1,964 patients (95%). SES were implanted for “off-label” indications in 1,173 patients (57%).
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Accuracy and Reproducibility of Stent-Strut Thickness Determined by Optical Coherence Tomography
Long-Term Outcomes of Plaque Debulking with Rotational Atherectomy in Side-Branch Ostial Lesions to Treat (see full title below)
Differences in Coronary Artery Plaques between Target and Non-Target Vessels

ABSTRACT: Objective. We used intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and virtual histology (VH) to assess the differences of plaque burden and composition between target coronary arteries containing the culprit lesion and non-target coronary arteries. Methods. Sixty patients referred for acute (n = 19) or elective (n = 41) coronary angiography were included. The target vessel containing the culprit lesion was identified by angiography. A non-target coronary artery was chosen for comparison. The first 4 cm of each vessel were analyzed with IVUS and VH. Results. Total plaque burden was higher in the target vessel compared to the non-target vessel (52.4% vs. 45.9%, a relative difference of 14.2%; p < 0.001).
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Anytown, California
Press Release
— Bethlehem, Pennsylvania – Invatec received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October to market its Mo.Ma Ultra Proximal Cerebral Protection Device for use during carotid artery stenting (CAS). The device effectively reduces and captures debris released during the stenting procedure to prevent it from traveling to the brain, where it has the potential to cause a stroke.
CME Showcase
![]() The Use of Remote Robotic Navigation in Complex Arrhythmias Complimentary Accredited Web Archive This activity is designed for electrophysiologists and EP allied professionals. Diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease: Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Solutions New Standards of Care for CRMD Antibiotic Protection Complimentary CME Accredited Webcast Dates: November 18, 2008 Time: 6:00 pm ET November 19, 2008 Time: 3:00 pm ET This activity is sponsored by the North American Center for Continuing Medical Education. |























